Hope Mills Mayor Jessie Bellflowers, Mayor Pro Tem Hope Page, and Commissioners Bryan Marley, Grilley Mitchell, Lisa Tremmel and Cynthia Hamilton heard from more than 20 residents Monday at a public hearing. They all said they support a property tax increase for the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget.
“Every day, I kiss my children goodbye knowing that there’s a chance that I might not come home,” said Lauren Peoples, a police officer and mother of two, as she pleaded with commissioners to fund the Hope Mills Police Department with more officers—even if it means a tax increase. Peoples was just one of many officers and other residents who said they can live with a tax hike. “If you knew every single day there was a 50% chance that you might not come home because somebody could kill you at work,” Peoples said, “how much money would you work that job for, and the answer would be most people would say, ‘I wouldn’t even work that job.’” Peoples had a more than valid point for commissioners’ consideration.
The town’s finances have been under scrutiny since a critical state audit was released in April. Marley hinted in May that a tax increase might be needed.
Some good news for Spring Lake residents. “No property tax increase in this budget,” Dennis English, the interim town manager, told Mayor Kia Anthony, Mayor Pro Tem Fredricka Sutherland, and Commissioners Tony Burgess, Soña Cooper, Jackie Jackson, and Adrian Jones Thompson at a board meeting on Monday. The proposed budget is $10.5 million. There will be plenty of happy Spring Lake residents when commissioners adopt the budget next week. “I hope so,” the mayor said Thursday.
If you aren’t heading to the beach to celebrate Independence Day, you might give thought to celebrating July 4 at Festival Park downtown with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra (FSO), the Fayetteville Symphonic Band, and the 82nd Airborne Division Band, all under the direction of Daniel McCloud. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:15 p.m. Food trucks will be on-site No skateboards, bicycles, personal tents, canopies, or outside food and beverages allowed. The concert is sponsored by the city, the Fayetteville Public Works Commission, and the FSO.
Squirrels intrigue me with their work ethic. They’re up early to bury acorns and nuts for winter, and you’ll find them working throughout every day. A strong work ethic matters, and these little critters have a lot of us beat for sure.
Magnolia trees are lovely in our yards, but when those dead leaves fall, you better bring out your rake from the shed.
Josh Murray is serious about his job as director of development for the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County, as he recently graduated from the Greater Fayetteville Chamber’s Leadership Fayetteville class of 2026. “Leadership Fayetteville gave me a peek behind the curtain of many different organizations across a variety of sectors,” Murray said in a news release. “Not only did this program help me understand the depth and range of our community more fully, but it also provided me with access and professional connections I would not have gained otherwise.” Leadership Fayetteville provides experiential learning opportunities for business professionals to gain a better understanding of city and county issues.
The Arts Council has received a $12,000 grant to support Arts Resources for Elders, which is an initiative to bring teaching artists to local senior centers. “This investment helps us meet elders in the places they already gather and belong,” Bob Pinson, the council’s president and CEO, said in a news release. “With this support, we can place teaching artists directly into senior centers for meaningful, interactive programming that strengthens wellbeing and builds community through the arts.” The $12,000 is the first payment of a four-year $34,050 grant from the Cornelia “Neill” Bullock Wilkins Charitable Endowment Fund for Seniors per the Cumberland Community Foundation.
Willie Moore and Charlie Mewshaw have been appointed as vice chancellors at Fayetteville State University, while Wesley Church II will serve as dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “These appointments strengthen areas that are essential to Fayetteville State University’s future,” Chancellor Darrell Allison said in a news release. “Dr. Church brings deep academic leadership and a strong record of building programs that connect scholarship to community needs. Mr. Moore has demonstrated the ability to use data and institutional research to support sound decision-making. Mr. Mewshaw brings the technology and cybersecurity expertise needed to support a modern and secure university. Together, their leadership will continue to help move FSU forward with focus and purpose.”
Moore will oversee institutional research and effectiveness and serve as liaison for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Mewshaw will oversee information technology and become chief information officer.
Coming Sunday: “They will remember the physician who cared.”
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
